Sustainable Protected Areas

Protected areas are one of the most effective tools for conserving species and natural habitats. They are essential for preserving tropical forests’ ecosystems, while also contributing to the livelihoods and wellbeing of local communities and society at large.

For example, well-planned and well-managed protected areas can help safeguard freshwater and food supplies thus reducing poverty, as well as minimise the impact of climate change.

Protected areas are crucial for the well-being of forest communities. Pristine lands help conserve traditional customs (which take place in the heart of the forests), while meeting the vital needs of the communities.

WWF’s vision is to help build a network of ecologically representative, effectively managed, and financially viable protected areas that sustain biodiversity and natural resources across entire ecosystems, that help reduce poverty, provide environmental services, protect threatened human cultures and communities, and allow for harmonious coexistence of wildlife and people.

What we do

Promote a sustainable network of protected areas in the Congo Basin: WWF works with governments to identify areas of high value in terms of biodiversity and livelihoods. Once a protected area is identified, we provide support to the authorities to establish a management plan, and we monitor protected area management efficiency.

Technical and financial support: WWF provides assistance to governments to help enhance protected areas management. We provide trainings and support to park management staff and eco-guards.

Bio monitoring: WWF conducts regular wildlife inventories to update population data of flagship species for conservation impact assessment, protection of high conservation value (HCV) areas, and more effective anti-poaching strategies

Support to local communities: WWF supports local communities living around protected areas through sustainable development interventions (building of wells, support to community agriculture and forestry). We also promote the involvement of local communities in protected areas management, and help guarantee access for local communities to protected areas for traditional activities (dead wood collection, sustainable fishing and hunting, traditional medicine).

Ecotourism: Wherever possible, WWF assists in developing eco-tourism activities, which help ensure sustainable funding for protected areas and create jobs for local communities.

Monitoring extractive industries: Unsustainable logging, mining and oil drilling are a direct threat for protected areas. WWF helps promote international standards such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to minimise the ecological impact of extractive industries.

PROMOTING A LANDSCAPE APPROACH

To ensure both optimal protection for biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for local communities, the Congo Basin forests need to be protected by a network of ecologically representative and financially viable protected areas, connected by conservation corridors of responsibly managed forests. This is known as the Landscape Approach. WWF works with regional bodies such as the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) and Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) and relevant national authorities to support the following key landscapes: